The Ministry for Inclusion, Social Wellbeing and Voluntary Organisations has allocated €15,000 for the purchasing and training of guide dogs for the Malta Guide Dogs Foundation.

Former doctor David Debattista, who now suffers from visual impairments, said that a guide dog named Didi has helped him continue living his life after his problems surfaced. "Didi helped me continue working, travelling and living my life fully and more independently," said Debattista.

Didi was purchased by the Maltese government from abroad and sent to the Malta Guide Dog Foundation for training, said Minister for Inclusion Julia Farrugia Portelli.

Debattista said that it was important to continue to spread awareness and knowledge about the work of guide dogs and the freedom they provide to a visually impaired person. He added that it is important to recognize the government's investment in guide dogs, as they provide freedom, accessibility, joy and love. "Didi was trained in avoiding obstacles, obedience and acknowledging danger for the person she would be guiding."

Farrugia Portelli said that through this investment, the government is achieving objective 10 of the National Strategy for Persons with Disabilities and Article 27 of the UN CRPD, where assistance is being provided to more persons with disabilities so that they will be able to live independently and integrate in the community.

Chairman of the Malta Guide Dogs Foundation Joe Stafrace said that the foundation largely aids and supports persons with visual impairments by providing mobility services as well as guide dog services.